(US Youth Soccer photo of Chris Twombley, via Instagram)
For the second time in three years, West Seattle Soccer Club is celebrating a National Coach of the Year award from US Youth Soccer. This time, WSSC board member Tim McMonigle tells WSB, it’s for National Girls Recreation Coach of the Year, just announced Friday night at a gala attended by more than 1,000 people: “Chris Twombley has been coaching in the West Seattle Soccer Club for 12+ years and is a great representative for our youth. He made his way up the award hierarchy, winning the award for our Association, District, State, Region, and now at the National level back at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia. We are very proud of him.” Twombley’s award-winning style was described in the official announcement:

Any player looking to get in the game can find a welcoming home on Chris Twombley’s team at West Seattle Soccer Club. Twombley communicates well with his players and provides a positive energy. He uses soccer to teach lessons and build character, and acts as a role model for his players to follow. Off the field, Chris is always offering to help and volunteer in any way the club may need.

In 2011, WSSC’s Jean Robinson won the same award for boys-team coaching, and McMonigle observes, “Both of these very visible national awards have put West Seattle and the West Seattle Soccer Club on the national soccer map.” WSSC’s spring-season registration opens February 1st.
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8 Comments

Way to go Chris…you deserve it! Way to make West Seattle and the West Seattle Soccer Club proud!

Congratulations to a really fantastic coach, Chris Twombley! We were very fortunate that our daughter played for him for the past 12 years! It’s a real credit to Chris that the girls,who had been together for so long, continued to play through to the end of their high school years, even though many also played for their school teams. He’s the ultimate in coaching and such a great role model for our kids! He deserves this honor!

My son played on one of Chris’s teams, and I can say … he is a great coach, and a great person. He’s not only a terrific role model for the kids he coaches, but he’s also an inspiration to people like myself who are trying to coach teams of our own. If you ever want to learn more about the sport, watch a game with Chris some time.

I am very humbled by the kind words. My experiences coaching the Blue Crew (and Rowdies!!) have been formative, a true source of joy over the last decade. The real story, however, is an amazing group of young women and their parents who made a commitment to stay together. Given the times, to play on the same soccer team for over ten years is no small achievement. I share my award with the Blue Crew Family, with special thanks to Steve Cameron, my brother, and to Tim McMonigle and Bill Fry for their support and mentorship.